"SCARY GOOD" CONTENT

If anyone had asked me what my senior year would be like, I would have never expected for my last year of high school to turn out this way. Senior year, contrary to the popular myth, isn’t about the “chillness” of seniority; instead, it has been commanded by sneaky deadlines, vague prompts, and the constant stress to compose the perfect college list.​ In order to give you my first tip for your senior year, I guess that I should take you back to when it all began for me: the summer of my junior year.

As I rejoiced to watch the clock strike three that afternoon that sixth of June, my mind was plagued with the thoughts of an adventurous summer and an upcoming year filled with memories of the senior privileges: the prank, the tardiness, and the awaited independence. Nevertheless, I should have known better.

Through out the summer, I kept thinking about Pedroso’s repetitive advice to begin my college essays. But, I, like the rebel I was meant to be as a rising senior, silenced her voice, giving into the power of “seniority.” I bedazzled myself on the promise that in September I would still have time. This was my first taste of senioritis and my first misconception about it.​ In order to give you the most genuine advice, I must confess that this decision was highly detrimental. I know that procrastination is the potent darkness in all students; however, when it comes to the college process you must not give in. Hence, I advise you to buckle up, be strong, and resist.

This column will continue every month, so let's start at the beginning: :TIP 1: Begin college writing as early as possible, as most state schools release their prompts during late summer (July). Common App does so as well. This advanced preparation will allow you to allot more time for revisions, and the endless reading that will eventually drive you towards memorization. Writing is your weapon to fight the tired eyes of the “readers;” it is your chance to return joy to their eyes; it is your ability to take someone else to your story. Your essay is your only voice in a process controlled by numbers and statistical predictions. So YOU have to make it the best reflection of yourself it can be. START WRITING IN JULY!!!!​ Finally, I know that this tip can seem vague, to those of you who relish in stress, anxiety, and uncertainty but I, nor anyone, has the answer that you want: the chances of your acceptance. Your best chance is only your best self. Hence, I command thee, Phoenixes, to let your voice write the most powerful prose. I command thee, to show yourself in the truest matter, for your character is the only thing that will never depend on the acceptance of others. Lastly, I command thee, to write, to dream, and to hope because I believe that you are all believers, and only believers can attain greatness. START WRITING IN JULY!!!